Adaptive Class D PWM Modulation for Lower EMI and Power Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Class D power amplifiers face inefficiencies and high electromagnetic interference due to fixed frequency operation and varying DC potentials of audio signals, leading to increased power consumption and distortion, especially when audio signal frequencies and amplitudes change.

Innovation Solution

A self-adaptive Class D power amplification modulation system that includes an amplitude detection circuit module with ADC and DAC units to detect and adjust the audio signal's amplitude and frequency, synchronizing the carrier wave's frequency with the audio signal's frequency, and dynamically adjusting the duty cycle of the PWM signal based on the audio signal's DC potential.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the frequency of the carrier wave is set at more than ten times the highest frequency of the audio signal to ensure small distortion, then the distortion of the audio signal is reduced, but the electromagnetic interference of the circuit increases and the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion of audio signalVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the carrier wave frequency variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the carrier wave frequency based on the actual audio signal frequency, transitioning from a static high-frequency setting to an adaptive frequency modulation scheme that responds to input conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of carrier wave frequency from a fixed value to a variable parameter that adapts to the audio signal characteristics. By modifying the frequency parameter dynamically, the system achieves low distortion while reducing EMI and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the frequency of the carrier wave is set at more than ten times the highest frequency of the audio signal to ensure small distortion, then the distortion of the audio signal is reduced, but the power consumption of the circuit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion of audio signalVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static high-frequency carrier wave to a dynamic frequency modulation scheme where the carrier frequency adapts to the audio signal frequency, reducing unnecessary high-frequency switching and associated power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier wave frequency parameter is changed from a fixed high value to a variable parameter that scales with the audio signal frequency, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining distortion performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If the switching frequency of the power transistor is fast to amplify the audio signal, then the audio signal is amplified effectively, but the life of the power transistor decreases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplification capabilityVSAvoidlife of power transistor
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The switching frequency parameter of the power transistor is changed from a fixed high value to a variable parameter that adapts to the audio signal frequency, reducing the switching frequency and thereby extending transistor life and reducing power consumption while maintaining amplification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If the same carrier wave is used for audio signals with different DC potentials, then the modulation process is simple, but the duty cycles of the PWM waves are different leading to inefficient power usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodulation process complexityVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from using a fixed carrier wave to using a dynamically adjusted carrier wave whose frequency and DC potential are adapted to match the input audio signal characteristics, optimizing the duty cycle for power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier wave parameters (frequency and DC potential) are changed from fixed values to variable parameters that adapt to the input signal, optimizing the PWM duty cycle for power efficiency while maintaining simple modulation architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution improves power efficiency and reduces electromagnetic interference by optimizing the duty cycle and frequency of the carrier wave in response to changing audio signal conditions, balancing power consumption and EMI performance.

Implementation Method 1

an amplitude detection circuit module, connected to the audio signal, for performing amplitude detection processing on the audio signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectADC (Analog-to-Digital Conversion):

Implementation Method 2

the amplitude detection circuit module includes: an amplitude detection analogy-to-digital converter (ADC) unit, configured to detect an amplitude of the audio signal and generate a digital signal corresponding to the amplitude of the audio signal; and an amplitude detection digital-to-analogy converter (DAC) unit, configured to perform analysis processing on the digital signal to generate an analog signal corresponding to the digital signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDAC (Digital-to-Analog Conversion):

Implementation Method 3

a frequency detection circuit module, connected to the audio signal, for performing frequency detection processing on the audio signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency detection:

Implementation Method 4

a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit module, connected to the amplification circuit module, for performing PWM processing on an amplified audio signal generated by the amplification circuit module to generate a PWM signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse Width Modulation (PWM): Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 5

the PWM wave amplified by a switch transistor works at a certain frequency, which is the same as the frequency of the PWM signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwitching amplification:

Data Source

PatentEP4142151B1Class d power amplification modulation system for self-adaptive adjustment of audio signal, method, device, processor and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 CRM ICBG (WUXI) CO LTD
  • EP4142151B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4142151B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A Class D power amplification modulation system for self-adaptive adjustment of an audio signal is provided, including an amplification circuit module, a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit module connected to the amplification circuit module, a frequency detection circuit module, a carrier generator module connected to the frequency detection circuit module, an amplitude detection circuit module, a direct current (DC) potential adjustment module connected to the amplitude detection circuit module, and a drive circuit module. A method, a device, a processor, and a computer-readable storage medium are also provided. The characteristics of the circuit in the signal time domain and frequency are improved by simultaneously controlling the amplitude and the frequency of the audio signal, to minimize power consumption of signals with different amplitudes and frequencies, and to improve EMI performance, or to balance the circuit power consumption and EMI characteristics.